Riverside Ski Trail

Q: Do I need special gear?

You need skis or snowshoes, appropriate winter clothing (layer heavily), and water. No avalanche beacon, crampons, or technical equipment required.

Q: Are there bears on this trail?

Bears den in winter and are inactive. Wolves and bison are active. Follow distance rules: stay 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison. Make noise on the trail.

Q: What if there's no cell service?

There's no cell service. Bring a map, compass, and whistle. Stick to marked groomed trails. Tell someone your plan before heading out.

Q: Can I ski during a snowstorm?

No. Visibility and hypothermia risk become severe. Avoid the trail if storms are forecast or active. Check NPS conditions.

Q: How much does it cost?

The trail is free. Yellowstone park entry fee applies: $20 per person (16+) on foot/ski, or $35 per vehicle (7-day pass).

Distance

2.2 mi

Est. Time

1 to 3 hours depending on loop chosen and snow conditions.

Route Type

Multiple Loops

Dogs Allowed

Best Season

Winter (December through March, snow-dependent).

Overview

About This Trail

The Riverside Ski Trail is Yellowstone's most accessible winter ski system, offering groomed classic ski tracks and multiple loop options ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 miles. Ski through forest and open meadows along the Madison River with expansive views of the Gallatin and Madison ranges. Winter wildlife watching includes elk, bald eagles, and waterfowl. This is the place to learn to ski or enjoy an easy winter outing.

Highlights

Difficulty Level

Easiest

Trail Highlights

Groomed classic ski tracks make this beginner-friendly. Upriver loop delivers mountain views across the Madison River. Reliable winter wildlife: elk, bald eagles, and waterfowl are regularly spotted. Easy access from West Yellowstone town.

Insider Tips

• Rent skis in West Yellowstone—avoid traveling with rental equipment • Check grooming status mid-week before planning your ski day • The upriver loop is shorter but has the best views; skip the long full downriver loop if time is tight • Binoculars increase eagle and elk spotting odds • Go early (before 10 AM) on weekends to avoid crowds and secure parking • Short downriver loop (2.2 miles) is the sweet spot for time vs. views

Best Season to Hike

Winter (December through March, snow-dependent).

Hiking Tips

Layer clothing—core warmth prevents hypothermia in winter
Carry 2 liters of water; dehydration happens in cold
Ski the upriver loop for best mountain views
Make noise for elk and bison; they're active in winter
Stay 100 yards from bears/wolves, 25 yards from bison
Check NPS grooming status before leaving town—affects snow quality
Binoculars for eagle and elk spotting

Family Info

Excellent for families with beginner skiers. The 1-mile approach to loop junctions is gentle and manageable for children. Groomed tracks help younger skiers maintain control. Keep children close due to river proximity and active wildlife. Teach them to make noise for elk and bison awareness.

What Hikers Say

Skiers rate this as the most reliable beginner ski option in Yellowstone. Groomed tracks and multiple loop options earn consistent praise. Winter wildlife viewing and Gallatin Range views are the real draw. The trade-off: moderate crowding on weekends versus reliable, accessible skiing and mountain scenery.

Details

Trail Specifications

Distance: 2.2 miles

Duration: 1 to 3 hours depending on loop chosen and snow conditions.

Difficulty: Easiest

Route Type: Multiple Loops

Surface: Groomed snow with classic ski tracks. First mile occasionally machine-groomed; loops are packed snow.

Getting There

Trailhead: East side of Boundary Street at Madison Avenue in West Yellowstone.

Requirements

Permit Required

No permit required for this trail.

Fees: Park entrance fee required: $20 per person (16+) on foot/ski, or $35 per vehicle (7-day pass). Trail itself is free.

Shuttle Available

Not required. Trailhead is in West Yellowstone town, accessible by car. No shuttle service offered for this trail.

Trail Rules

Dogs: No. Pets are not permitted. Service dogs are allowed.

Biking: No. Ski and snowshoe use only during winter season.

Trail Markers: Well-marked. Groomed tracks are easy to follow. Occasional blazes and signs at loop junctions. Hard to get lost on main routes.

Map/GPS recommended

Trail Features

Conditions & Safety

Water: Creeks are frozen in winter. Carry all water you'll need—bring minimum 1.5 to 2 liters.

Shade: Mixed. First mile through forest provides wind protection; loop trails cross open meadows with direct sun exposure and wind chill.

Cell Service: No cell service. Carry a map, compass, and whistle. Stick to marked trails and groomed sections.

Hazards:

Winter weather is the primary threat. Wind chill in open meadow sections increases hypothermia risk—stay hydrated and warm. Thin ice forms near the Madison River; stick to marked trails. Bison and elk are active in winter; maintain distance. Federal regulations require 100 yards from bears and wolves, 25 yards from bison and other wildlife. No cell service—come prepared with a map and whistle.

Emergency: Dial 911 in life-threatening emergencies (though cell service unavailable at trail). Nearest ranger station is in West Yellowstone. Report incidents to NPS upon return.

Crowd Info

Typical Crowds: Moderate to busy on weekends during peak snow season. Trails spread skiers across multiple loop options, reducing congestion on any single route.

Peak Times: Weekends and holidays (December through February). Weekday mornings see lighter traffic.

Accessibility & Family

Accessibility:

Easiest ski system in Yellowstone. Some sections occasionally machine-groomed for classic ski tracks. Flat to gently rolling terrain suits beginner skiers. Service dogs allowed. No steep climbs or technical sections.

Family Notes:

Nearby Facilities

West Yellowstone town is adjacent (within 1 mile). Full services: lodging, restaurants, ski rental shops, gas stations, and grocers. Mammoth District Ranger Station available for information.

What Hikers Say

FAQs

Is this suitable for beginner skiers?

Yes. This is the easiest ski system in Yellowstone. Groomed tracks and gentle terrain make it ideal for learning or casual winter outings.

Do I need special gear?

Are there bears on this trail?

What if there's no cell service?

Can I ski during a snowstorm?

How much does it cost?

🏞️ National Park Service 📝 YourNPGuide Editorial

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works →

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